LOOKING TO THE FUTURE - Growing New Energy Jobs Downstate

Tap into the resources of the Future Energy Jobs Act and harness the power of the sun to create local jobs.

Learn about Illinois Solar for All; community solar; key considerations for a solar project; and how to enter the solar profession.

 

REGISTER HERE

RSVPs Requested 

Tuesday Afternoon, August 8, 2017

1pm to 4:30pm (doors open at 12:30 pm)

   

Illinois Central College
Administrative, Academic, Technology Center
Room 212-C
1 College Drive • East Peoria, IL 61611

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Wednesday Morning, August 9, 2017 

9am to 12:30pm (doors open at 8:30am)

   

Lincoln Land Community College

Trutter Center

2400 Millennium Drive

Springfield, IL 62703

 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT? 

Workshops dive into the Illinois Solar for All program and its benefits for low-income communities (including job training, job hiring and access to solar energy); how to participate in or help bring about a community solar project; career opportunities; and specifics about the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA). It's open to everyone ready to engage in the incentives and programs made possible by FEJA.

 

PLEASE REMEMBER - Many of the details around FEJA are still being developed.  This forum is geared towards creating pathways to project development and training, while those details are being worked out.

  

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

The same four workshops will be offered at half-day events at both Illinois Central College and Lincoln Land Community College.  Choose two of four workshops.  If you want to take advantage of more than two, please don't hesitate to register for both days. 

 

​Here's what we are offering:

1PM to 1:50PM, Illinois Central College

9AM to 9:50AM, Lincoln Land Community College

 

OPENING

Welcome and Introducing Workshops

Pam Richart, Co-Director, Eco-Justice Collaborative

 

Overview of FEJA - What Is Important to Know about FEJA Going into Workshops

Shannon Fulton, Director of Business Development, StraightUp Solar and Past President, Illinois Solar Energy Association

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2PM to 3:15PM, Illinois Central College

10AM to 11:15 AM, Lincoln Land Community College

 

What is community solar and what are its benefits?

The Future Energy Jobs Act has made community solar possible in Illinois for the first time. This allows those who can’t or don’t want to install solar panels on their roof – like home renters, apartment dwellers or those who don't have access to sun – to “subscribe” to a solar project at a local church, school, or business. Are you interested in starting a community solar project, or participating in one? Then be sure to attend this workshop.

 

Michelle Knox, Founder and Director, WindSolarUSA and member, Illinois Solar Energy Association

 

-OR-

 

What is the Solar for All program, and what do I need to know to access its programs and incentives?

The Illinois Solar for All program will bring solar energy, job training and jobs to economically-disadvantaged communities.  It has a sustainable source of funding and includes requirements for a community engagement process between developers and community stakeholders and funding for community-based organizations to engage in grassroots education about the program. Solar for All promises to deliver the benefits of solar to the customers in Illinois who stand to gain the most.

 

Tim Figel, Policy & Regulatory Manager Community Solar, GRID Alternatives

​Shannon Fulton, Director of Business Development, StraightUp Solar and Past President, Illinois Solar Energy Association

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3:30PM to 4:30PM, Illinois Central College

11:30AM to 12:30 PM, Lincoln Land Community College

 

I have a project in mind. What do I need to know to build it?

This workshop is intended to provide more details on what you need to know to get a community- or municipal-scale project built. The Future Energy Jobs Act is expected to begin rolling out its incentives and programs this fall, and there is much that can be done to be "solar ready".  Don't yet have a project but are interested in developing one?Then come learn about criteria for siting and what to do to move forward with a successful build.

​

Shannon Fulton, Director of Business Development, StraightUp Solar and Past President, Illinois Solar Energy Association

 

-OR-

 

How do I get into the solar field, and what qualifications do I need to have?

If you are thinking about a career shift into solar, this is the workshop for you.  Professions include installers, but also project developers; system designers; software engineers; sales and marketing professionals; and many more. Find out about required certification and training.

 

Michelle Knox, Founder and Director, WindSolarUSA and member, Illinois Solar Energy Association

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QUESTIONS?

Be sure to register.  We plan to have light refreshments and need to know how many programs to print. 

If you have questions or need help registering, call Lan or Pam at 217. 607.1948 (office) or 773.556.3417 / 3418.  We hope to see you there!  Click here for access to agendas for Peoria or Springfield events.